Is My Car On A GM Recall List? If So, What Should I Do?

Recent news about significant GM recalls are causing concern for millions of American car owners. To date, GM has issued the following recent recalls:

• The company is recalling 28,789 Saab convertibles because of a problem with the driver’s seat belt retractor that can cause it to break. This recall involves vehicles from 2004 through 2011.
• In one of the company’s largest actions to date, GM recalled 2.6 million small cars in February due to ignition switch problems. However, when the federal government became involved, GM was forced to review other safety issues that led to a total of 54 recalls in 2014 covering a total of 29 million vehicles. GM finally admitted that it knew about the ignition switch problems for 10 years before issuing the initial recall.
• GM has so far refused to recall trucks from 1999 to 2003 over brake corrosion issues. The company claims that corrosion problems are related to maintenance rather than to recall-related repairs.

With all the different GM recalls, it may be difficult for vehicle owners to know whether or not their vehicles are on the list. However, GM car owners can easily find out if they are affected by any of the recalls past, present or future with the handy website that allows them to check their VINs.

Determining Your VIN Number And Recall Status

If you are interested in finding out if your car is or has been under recall, visit the website and enter your VIN. VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number and is located in one of a few places on the car itself.

The VIN is 17 characters long and is usually located either on the front of the dashboard on the driver’s side of the car on a small metal plate or on the driver’s side door jamb on a sticker. You can also find your VIN on your car’s original title or paperwork. If you are unable to locate the VIN number on your car and do not have the title or paperwork, take your car to a licensed GM repair facility and ask them to find the VIN for you. The VIN may be located on the engine block and in other places as well as the visible spots mentioned here.

Once you have the 17-digit VIN, enter into the box on the website to see if your car is subject to recall.

What Should I Do If My Car Is Recalled?

If your car is subject to recall, take it immediately to a registered GM dealer. Contact the GM dealer nearest you to schedule service. If you have a problem getting your car serviced at your local GM dealer, contact General Motors at http://www.gm.com/toolbar/contactUs.html.

What If I Am Injured In A Recall Crash?

Car companies issue vehicle recalls not only because they are concerned about the safety of drivers and passengers but also because they can be held liable, in some cases, for the injuries and damages that may occur as a result of a faulty vehicle. Companies have been held liable for the injuries inflicted on innocent victims when they failed to recall dangerous vehicles in the past.

If you have been the victim of a crash that was caused by a recalled vehicle, be sure to contact a personal injury attorney immediately. You may be entitled to payment of damages including medical bills, pain and suffering and other costs.

It is very easy to learn if your car is on the recall list and if you are eligible for free repairs. If you have been the victim of an accident, call a personal injury attorney today.